If this thing is going to have a weight of more than 150kg and horsepower of less than 45 hp and selling for more than R130 000, there wouldbe really no incentive to buy this bike apart from being a (blindly) follower of everything Honda.

For the same kind of money you can buy a KTM690/Husqvarna701 , with a weight of less than 150kg, engine of 67 hp andselling just above R130 000 currently.

So, what we have here is a DRZ400 with FI, six gears and a cush drive. Granted, these innovations are welcome additions that will be key differentiaters to the DRZ but I think I'm being kind in the use of the word 'innovation'.

DRZ is still available in Oz. I can't think of any other 'long service interval' bikes that compete in this segment. Anyone else know of anything else available?

Exactly this is the bike we all wanted when the DRZ was available with it's short comings of a 6th gear and maybe some extra oomph especially for the S model. This L and Rally will be winners and I'm so happy that a Japanese manufacturer at last listened to what the costumer wants. Hopefully the other big 3 will follow suit. Japanese bike sold as a DS from the factory will be sorted so don't worry too much about service intervals etc.

BEER..."I drink it when I`m happy or when I`m sad. I drink it when I`m alone. When I have company I consider it obligatory. Trifle with it if I`m not hungry and drink it when I am. Otherwise, I never touch it - unless I`m thirsty"

So, what we have here is a DRZ400 with FI, six gears and a cush drive. Granted, these innovations are welcome additions that will be key differentiaters to the DRZ but I think I'm being kind in the use of the word 'innovation'.

DRZ is still available in Oz. I can't think of any other 'long service interval' bikes that compete in this segment. Anyone else know of anything else available?Exactly this is the bike we all wanted when the DRZ was available with it's short comings of a 6th gear and maybe some extra oomph especially for the S model. This L and Rally will be winners and I'm so happy that a Japanese manufacturer at last listened to what the costumer wants. Hopefully the other big 3 will follow suit. Japanese bike sold as a DS from the factory will be sorted so don't worry too much about service intervals etc

Exactly right. I also fear the DRZ s time might be up due to emissions that is why its not available here. Hondas timing could be spot on.